(a) whether the present military ruler of Pakistan has expressed his desire to hold talks with India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether during the recent stopover in Islamabad, the US President discussed any specific proposals purported to bring about closer relationship between India and Pakistan;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether India is ready for talks;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a)-(g) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in parts (a) to (g) of the answer
to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 441
To be answered on 26.4.2000
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. The Chief Executive of Pakistan has in some recent public statements expressed a view that India and Pakistan resume talks, but on an agenda determined by Pakistan.
(c)&(d) During his stopover in Islamabad, and while addressing the people of Pakistan, President Clinton called upon Pakistan to exercise restraint, respect the Line of Control, resume dialogue and reduce the level of violence. He reiterated that US does not intend to play any mediatory role.
(e) to (g) India, as the initiator of the dialogue process remains committed to a relationship of peace, friendship and cooperation with Pakistan. Towards that end, at our initiative, the Composite Dialogue Process was put in place. It is our view that a proper environment for meaningful dialogue has now to be restored by Pakistan. For, post Kargil and after the military take over in that country, Pakistan has enhanced its sponsorship and support of cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, as also elsewhere in India. It has continued to indulge in unprovoked firing across the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir. It`s call for Jehad and other hostile propaganda against India has also gone on unabated. Besides, recently, General Musharraf has also reportedly repeated that he does not believe either in the Simla Agreement or in the Lahore Declaration.
It is the Government`s view that it is for Pakistan to revert to the path of peace and normalcy; to reaffirm the established essentials of bilateral relations between our two countries, and thus, restore a climate congenial to a resumption of the interrupted dialogue process.